Posts tagged ‘Avelino’

Capo Lee and Sir Spyro unleash the second single ‘Tekkers’ from their forthcoming EP ‘Stop Talk’. Spyro provides a bassline, heavy instrumental for Capo Lee to spray down some fire, original bars.

Avelino (feat. Stormzy & Skepta) – Energy

#NoBadEnergy – that’s the mantra to this track and a good one it is. Avelino comes in first staking claim to the track with his lyrical dexterity and trademark flow, with features from Grime heavyweights Stormzy and Skepta. They roll around North London with cameos from Wretch 32 and Big Tobz in a cinema style visual.

NAO – In the Morning

This is my favourite track off Nao’s debut album ‘For All We Know’, and I’m so pleased she accompanied the track with visuals as the shadowy electronics match it perfectly.

Bugzy Malone – Aggy Wid It

Manchester born Bugzy Malons returns to 2017 with a brand new single ‘Aggy Wid It,’ full of aggressive bars, taking shots at people that are copying his style. This is the perfect way for Bugzy to start the year as he means to go on.

NoLay – Dancing With The Devil

NoLay tackles the serious issue of domestic abuse in a relationship for her new track which is lifted from her upcoming LP Release. The lyrics and video are powerful and hard-hitting and shows the seriousness behind it and thinking a partner can change.

When you’re preparing to speak to a highly skilled rapper, known for mind-blowing wordplay, you know that you’re in for a good conversation. As soon as I speak my first words with Avelino he is the same charismatic, laid-back, and intelligent person as he is in his lyrics.

A prominent name in UK Rap after co-signs from BBC Radio 1 DJ Semtex, Tinie Tempah, and one of the kings of lyricism himself; Wretch 32, Avelino has spent three years of releasing mixtapes’ from ‘Underdog Music’ to ‘Iconic Ambition’ and the recent joint mixtape with Wretch himself ‘Young Fire Old Flame’. He has recently taken his unorthodox approach to music one step further with the release of his debut EP ‘FYO’ which was executive produced by Odd Child’s Raf Riley.

“It’s mood driven,” he says of his unique style. “I go by how I feel at the time and I hope that reflects in the music. Very experimental, without deviating from myself. Original, I like to be the best version of me at that time.” Perhaps this is because he spent his time in the studio, refining his skills, or due to the fact he is respectful of other artists taking time to analyse them, “I watch the behavior of people I look up to. The one mistake people might make is thinking you know it all, we don’t, you can always feed off others. Pick up things, learn things, add something to your game.“

Beginning his career with a slew of freestyles, he dropped his second mixtape ‘Iconic Ambition’ in 2013. “It was a humble mixtape. We did it on minimal resources, me and my mates,” he says. “Still, with the title and with what we tried to do with the songs kind of indicated what we were reaching for.” His ‘Young Fire Old Flame,’ mixtape with Wretch 32, released at the end of last year, was a definite step forward. “It was a mixtape with one of the icons,” he reflects. “One of the people I look up to and idolize, and we actually worked together to make a mixtape which was almost like completing part of the checklist and an amazing feat for me personally.”

– – –

– – –

The pair dropped a now legendary freestyle on Charlie Sloth’s ‘Fire In The Booth’ which demonstrates Avelino keeping up with his idol, both artists complimenting each other in an effortlessly natural way.

“When you hear someone speak with as much excellence as Wretch 32, you know whatever you record has to be your best moment at that time, because if not it’s going to be evident,” admits Avelino. “I don’t feel there were challenges. Now that’s not saying it was easy to work with Wretch 32, because he’s maybe the greatest lyricist we’ve ever had in the country.” Avelino definitely held his own and in the words of Stormzy “Can we take a minute to pay homage to Avelino for lyrically keeping up with Wretch 32.”

He has become known as a master of lyricism, especially with regards to his wordplay. It can be quite intense, but he has crafted his lyrics with such finesse that you can only admire the end result. “There can never be too much focus on wordplay and lyricism because that is what rap is all about,” he says. “Rap is an art form where you are directly speaking to someone. You want them to replay the tune, to listen to something that they didn’t catch. For me it adds to the excitement and the enjoyment and the appreciation. It’s why I take care of every single line that I think of.” This is apparent when listening to his music, the complexity of his lyrics demand rewinds and repetition to absorb, and yet his flow and production choices keep this from ever becoming a chore.

– – –

Keep striving, keep working, keep trying to get better…

– – –

From his work with Wretch, to signing with MMR (More Money Records), working closely with Labrinth and his Odd Child label, it’s clear that Avelino has nestled himself with like-minded artists, feeling at home with them, “They are creative people and I always try and take away as much as I can from them. Labrinth is one of the greatest musicians I’ve seen with my own two eyes, he’s phenomenal. He’ll go through like five songs in an hour and slap out numerous ideas, leaving you trying to keep up with him. You don’t know how to tell him slow down, because I’m not keeping up with that. You always try and incorporate certain things you’ve heard from him, or certain things he’s tried, certain principles he has, certain techniques he might use.“

For his debut EP ‘FYO (Fuck Your Opinion)’ it is really a time for the Young Fire to shine, “It’s my moment to really introduce myself, and to impose myself into the area that I’m going to be in for as long as possible which is rap,” he states. He delivers his easily recognisable laid-back flow with quick clever bars in a style that has become highly definitive. When asked about his approach to his signature style he offers, “The only thought process I had before making it was consciously choosing to work so closely with Raf Riley on it. I knew he was quite left and I was quite maybe in a different place but we met in the beautiful middle and the product was almost like a hybrid alternative but still hip-hop, it was still me.”

As grime continues to thrive, not only in the UK but extending worldwide, it can sometimes feel like UK rap doesn’t get the credit it deserves in the shadow of it’s 140bpm brother, yet this isn’t something that phases the young North Londoner. “They are two different art forms and we shouldn’t be competing with grime. Let them win. Rap can win as well. I don’t want to do that whole, is that getting more recognition and how does that make rap feel, let them win and we can win as well, everyone can eat. There is enough for everyone. As long as we never get ahead of ourselves and know that there is more to be done. Keep striving, keep working, keep trying to get better, keep trying to expand and we’ll be cool. We’ll be massive, UK will get more and more love.“

– – –

– – –

Published on clashmusic.com http://www.clashmusic.com/features/underdog-music-clash-meets-avelino on 31.05.16

Lil Nasty

On New Year’s Day, platform SBTV dropped 5 videos called ‘Better Place’ from five talented UK rappers. The conceptual tracks/visuals are about their specific and different areas they are from and how they feel about them. In a very poignant showing, (following the tragic death of his little brother Nico Ramsay), Lil Nasty – who is known as a Grime MC – brought ‘Better Place’ to Plaistow. It’s a tribute to his brother and is emotional and moving, with Nasty taking on one of his first ever rap tracks, and doing it justice. He opens ‘Better Place (Plaistow)’ saying “What happened to the fun times, now it’s all blades and gun crime, youngers on the front line, attitude is thug life.”

Blittz & Big Tobz

Blittz & Big Tobz are two East London rappers who quickly made a name for themselves in 2015, both singly and as a duo with their on point punchlines and memorable tracks. ‘Wicked And Bad’ is the latest release from the rap duo, and an enticing track to kick off their collaborative forthcoming project Case Closed, which is set to be released in August 2016. Case Closed is produced and will be released by The Heavytrackerz, setting a new benchmark for the rap game. This track is the perfect introduction to the LP with an enthralling beat and the hook, which embodies the title track.

Adian Coker

Adian Coker is no stranger to the hip-hop game – he first staked his claim in the underground with his debut mixtape release Lights Fantastic, with his follow-up Young World propelling him past that success. He now returns with his brand new track ‘No Angel’, with a sample of Madonna’s ‘Papa Don’t Preach’ and a glimpse of Kanye West’s ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing.’ Adian laces the track with his deep vocals and dives straight into exploring and taking control of the production, with his lyrics using emotion, frustration and strength to bring inspiration. It’s just Adian baring himself to the world with no barriers to hold him back.

Avelino

Hailing from Tottenham, Avelino turned heads when he dropped his free collaborative mixtape with Wretch 32 titled Young Fire, Old Flame in 2015. This year is all about his own music though, which kicks off with ‘Welcome To The Future,’ produced by Raf Riley. It showcases his distinctive lyricism, signature wordplay and inimitable flow, and stakes his strong presence in the game where he has now become a successful artist after years in the underground. The track has got a futuristic and fresh sound to it and is just the start of things to come this year. He will be releasing his debut EP soon too so make sure you watch out for that.

Potter Payper

Essex rapper Potter Payper released his 7-track One Time EP on March 31st and also dropped a new visual off of their ‘Real Life (Black Impala).’ It’s the second visual from the EP, following on from ‘Normal’ (feat Maverick Sabre). ‘Real Life’ provides a soulful, contemplative glimpse at Payper’s struggles with the visuals ever-reflecting the lyrics. Potter raps, “Sugh Knight in this Black Impala, mob shit tryna jack him after. I’m too G I’m so Bush Obama,” over a guitar-led track. Potter is definitely one of the coldest UK rappers, with some of the realist lyrics. You can get his EP here.

Jammer is really bringing the heat this year already with a remix of Riton’s ‘Rinse & Repeat’ and now his own track ‘Sun City’, a nod to the UKG rave of the same name. It’s definitely going to be a future classic, especially in the rave scene. With My Nu Leng & Chase & Status on the production credits, Jammer murks the beat with 140bpm mastery and laces the beat with his party vibe bars. Let the video take you back to the old skool era of raving when the dress code was Moschino.

Rax ft. Josh Osho – Four Seasons

Rax’s new EP ‘Just 4 You’ which was released for free on Friday will let you get to know the South London rapper again, slowly easing you in. After the release of ‘The Pickpocket’ in 2012 Rax took a hiatus from the scene, but is back stronger than before musically. His new visual to ‘Four Seasons’ premiered on Friday and will warm you up on these winter days and nights. It has enchanting vocals from Josh Osho and is packed with vivid emotion and expressive lyricism. It has a hip hop and jazz influences including a sunny saxophone.

Chip – ‘BlukuByeByeBye’

If you have Chip’s EP ‘Hear Dis’ you would know about this track already as it’s taken from there. It shows Chip’s non defeatist energy, as he takes a break from the musical beef with Yungen, releasing the video to ‘BlukuByeByeBye’. The video shows footage taken from a set at Radar Radio with some other very well known MC’s such as D Double E and Novelist in it, and really captures the energy and passion of Grime music.

67 ft. Giggs – Let’s Lurk

67 are a UK rap group from South London that includes members LD, Dimzy, Monkey & Asap. Their new track ‘Let’s Lurk’ is dark and threatening with a looming feel to it, whilst the video shot at night is pretty much the same with a menacing feel with some of the members cladded with masks. Giggs, the Godfather of UK rap steps up to deliver a hot verse on the track and boy is it good. The track is trappy, drawing influences from the Chicago rap scene.

Wretch 32 & Avelino – Gift To You

Wretch 32 and Avelino dropped their joint collaborative mixtape in December ‘Young Fire Old Flame’ which popped off becoming a fast favourite for last year. The journey continues though as they release the third visual from the mixtape ‘Gift To You’ ft. Moelogo. Over a laid-back beat, they both show their lyrical wordplay with the visuals showing the footage from their recent live show at Proud in Camden.

Bonkaz and Avelino have generated a lot of heat in the music world this year with their releases individually. The two new generation artists are serious ones to watch and if you haven’t taken note already, do now! The track shows off both of their hard, lyrical ability as they go back to back effortlessly over an Acekeyz produced hip hop beat.

Lil Nasty – Regardless

East London Grime MC Lil Nasty has dropped quite a lot of new music this year keeping the heat on his name. He continues to bring the fire after the release of mixtape ‘100 Rounds’ this summer with new single ‘Regardless’, which is produced by another big name in Grime Sir Spryo. Nasty goes in on this track where he talks about making it ‘Regardless’ in music, it’s a kind of self motivational track.

Shakka & JME – Say Nada

A song about a break-up joins singer/songwriter Shakka with Boy Better Know’s JME. Shakka shows conflicting emotion in this song where he talks about finding a freak who likes ‘tasty meat’, whilst on the flip side dealing with the heartbreak alone on his house. This is his first single to be released via label Pitched Up who he has just signed with, and will be on his third forthcoming EP ‘Lost Boys’.

Section Boyz – Lock Arff

London based rap crew Section Boyz who this year have created a big name for themselves, and will continue to rise drop a brand new video for single ‘Lock Arff’. The menacing lyrics and delivery from the crew are carried over a threatening bass led production. They have established themselves through their unique flows and rhymes, and are gearing up for the release of their debut album ‘Don’t Panic’ out September 18th.

Term & Rachet ft. Devlin – Corned Beef City

Old skool Grime MC Devlin is back with brand new track ‘Corned Beef City’ with producers Term & Rachet. He delivers intense bars over the heavy production. We haven’t heard that much from Devlin recently, and it seems the reason why is because the producers are working with Devlin on his third studio album. That is definitely something to look forward too!

East London MC, Rival has been on the road recently touring with Ghetts and The Skints in doing so has been busy and making his presence known. He’s joined forces with fellow East London’s So Large for “Voices”, with them both exchanging hot verses. They deliver fiery bars with energy over a heavyweight, vocal-led instrumental from Rude Kid. This is definitely one of my favourite grime tracks of the year.

Avelino – Money Over Everything

North London’s Avelino is destined for big things in the world of UK rap, which is currently at it’s healthiest stage ever. His music sees reflective lyrics, joined with experimental and often melodic productions. For his new track “Money Over Everything” which samples Wretch 32’s famous F64, Avelino tells Complex UK “It’s sick to have him jump on the tune, as well. ‘M.O.E’ is a song that, hopefully, you can turn up to but lyrically, it’s me admitting that I’m aware of our ignorance but it’s just the way it is .”

Espa – Pray For Me [My Nu Leng Remix]

Espa dropped her “Pray For Me” track back in May which saw the London singer show a vulnerability to her, over a garage beat reminiscent of from the 90’s. Now production duo My Nu Leng have given it the remix treatment taking it down a darker, bass heavy route.

Newham Generals ft Wiley – Scars

Footsie released his Scars EP via Butterz on vinyl earlier this year with the track originally being released in 2005 The classic Grime tune has now been given visuals, fitting the era it was originally made in, with memorabilia such as RWD magazine covers, Nokia 7600s, Lord OF The Decks DVDs and more. With bars from Newham Generals and Wiley this is one to keep in your music catalogue forever.

Blade Brown ft. Tigger Da Author – Drug Dealer

Blade Brown certainly did it big for his “Drug Dealer” video which is a favourite track amongst his fans off his Bags & Boxes 3 mixtape. Shooting the video in LA, we see Blade Brown with a luxurious car on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, also hitting the beach with his lady. See you can spot in the video as it includes celebrities such as Floyd Mayweather.